The best varieties of irises for landscape design

Irises have long gained popularity due to their unusual appearance and unpretentiousness. They are practically maintenance-free; even an inexperienced gardener can cope with growing. A lot of varieties of this plant have been bred. In order not to get confused in such a variety, it is necessary to study irises, varieties with photos and names in advance. This will help create a spectacular garden to the envy of all neighbors.

Varieties of irises

Iris is a perennial, unpretentious plant with an unusual shape and color of flowers. It is suitable for growing in open areas full of sunlight. A distinctive feature of the flowers is their enchanting delicate aroma. Therefore, they are often used in the perfume industry.

Wild-growing irises today can be found in meadows, in the steppe or on steep cliffs. In conditions greenhouses about five hundred different varieties have been bred, which are suitable for growing in personal plots. They can be divided into several large groups:

• bearded;
• dwarf;
• bulbous;
• Siberian;
• marsh;
• Japanese.

In European countries, it is customary to divide these plants into 10 - 15 categories. Border, Californian and some other types are distinguished separately. To determine which of them will take root better on your site, study carefully irises, their varieties with photos and names.

Bearded irises

Bearded iris is considered one of the most common plant species. Its distinctive feature is the presence of fine hairs on the lower petals. They have a richer color compared to the general tone of the flower. Among the most spectacular varieties are:

1. Cloud Ballet. The variety attracts with its touchingness and romance, which are emphasized by an elegant wavy edge and a pleasant white-blue color. In the aroma of flowers, notes of caramel and apple are caught.
2. Depeche Mode. The variety belongs to the category of flowers with a "broken color". On a gentle yellow background, a bright purple pattern appears, consisting of small strokes and thin lines.
3. Arabian Story. It embodies a sophisticated combination of yellow and orange shades. The flowers are distinguished by a delicate aroma with notes of citrus.
4. Back in Black. Spectacular dark purple flower. From a distance, it appears almost black. Great for creating contrasting flower bed unusual design.
5. Heritage Lace. This flower will be loved by connoisseurs of ageless classics. It creates an atmosphere of lightness and airiness like graceful lace.

This is just a small part of all the variety on the market today. When choosing, pay attention to the fact that the flowers are in harmony with neighboring specimens and fit into the overall design of the site.

The height of such varieties can reach 80 cm, so you should not plant them in the immediate vicinity of light-loving low-growing plants.

Dwarf irises

Iris dwarf differs from its counterparts in small stature. The height of the peduncles does not exceed 40 cm. In most varieties, this parameter is even 20 cm. They will be ideal for decorating small compact flower beds. Among the most popular varieties are:

1. Wink. An exquisite snow-white flower, which is framed along the edge with delicate blue petals. Two buds appear on one peduncle. The size of one flower does not exceed 9 cm.
2. Cry Baby. Young flowers are blue. Over time, they fade and become almost white.Up to three buds bloom on one peduncle.
3. Little Dream. The color of the petals can vary from gray to pale blue. The flower size does not exceed 10 cm in diameter.
4. Sapphire Gem. The petals are bright and rich in color. They show thin light grooves. The stem height does not exceed 37 cm. There are three or four flowers on one peduncle.

Dwarf irises do well on light, moisture-permeable soils. If the soil in your garden is heavy, add sand to it before planting.

Bulbous irises

Everyone is used to the fact that irises are rhizome plants. Modern specialists have managed to breed several varieties that grow from bulbs. They are distinguished by their unusually early flowering. They can be compared to snowdrops. As soon as the snow melts, the first flowers appear. There are three main types:

1. Iridodictum or reticulated iris. Plant height does not exceed 15 cm. In one place it can grow up to six years. Leaves appear simultaneously with the peduncle. The flowering period lasts for two weeks. Leaves and peduncles completely die off by mid-June. A distinctive feature of such flowers is a two-tone color, on which strokes of a contrasting shade are clearly visible. Popular varieties are: Dunford, Baker, Vinogradov and others.
2. Juno. This type of iris is considered rare. The flowering of such plants is observed in late May - early June. The height of the peduncles can reach 40 cm. The crescent-shaped leaves are arranged in several tiers. Up to five flowers can bloom on one peduncle. It is recommended to dig up the bulbs in July, dry them well and plant them back in September. The varieties are of particular interest: Nikolay, Caucasian, Orchidnaya.
3. Xyphyums or Dutch iris. This species is considered the most capricious. It will be possible to get beautiful flowers only if all the rules of agricultural technology are observed. Varieties of this species do not tolerate frost well. Therefore, the bulbs will have to be dug up for the winter. Since the price of xyphyum bulbs is low, many people prefer to grow them as an annual crop. Today on sale you can find a mix of Dutch irises. One pack of bulbs is enough to create a spectacular flower bed.

Bulbous irises look good in a flower bed with crocuses, muscari, galanthuses and so on. They are ideal for alpine slides.

These varieties can be grown in pots and large planters. They will be an excellent decoration for verandas and gazebos.

Siberian irises

Photos of Siberian irises are impressive. They are distinguished by the extraordinary beauty of flowers. The value of this species is also in the fact that the foliage of the plant has a rich green color throughout the season. The most spectacular varieties are:

1. Ester C.D.M. This iris is white with no other colors in it. The flowers look light and airy. They seem to float above the foliage. The variety is distinguished by large, wide leaves.
2. Clarkei. The flowers are painted in delicate violet-blue tones. Small snow-white strokes stand out against their background. Peduncle height can reach 60 cm.
3. Delavayi. This variety is distinguished by its petal shape. They are oblong and rather narrow. Painted in blue-violet. Light stripes are visible on them. The peduncle does not grow more than 60 cm in height.
4. Dykesii. Tall variety. The height of the peduncle can reach 90 cm. In the flower, dark blue petals alternate with deep purple. They have bright yellow strokes.

Such varieties look spectacular along the banks of improvised reservoirs, in large rockeries... Groups of such flowers can be used to decorate the lawn, which will make the landscape unusual.

Swamp irises

Marsh iris or iris grows throughout the territory of our country. The leaves of this species are xiphoid. Their length can be up to two meters. This species does well in partial shade. Therefore, such flowers can be planted along fences or near trees with a not too dense crown. Among the most popular varieties are:

1. Veriegata. The flowers are medium-sized, pale blue.This iris iris is prized for its highly decorative leaves. They are bright green and have beautiful yellow stripes. The plant looks most impressive in spring. Closer to autumn, it loses its decorative effect.
2. Flore Plena. This iris is yellow. Terry flowers. They stand out brightly against the dark green foliage. The plant develops well provided there is sufficient moisture and sunny color.
3. Black Form. Spectacular deep purple flower. Small yellow strokes are visible on the lower petals. The height of an adult specimen does not exceed 50 cm.

Having studied these varieties of irises with photos and names, we can conclude that they are ideal for group plantings. With the help of different types of irises, you can create spectacular flower beds.

Japanese irises

Japanese iris has orchid flowers. Their size can vary from 15 to 25 cm. In Japan, such plants are planted so that they can be admired from a height. From this angle, they look most impressive.

Plants are large, therefore, when planting between them, you must maintain a distance of at least 30 cm. The most popular varieties:

1. The ghost of happiness. The flower has six petals. They are white in color and have pale pink stains. With age, the flower becomes completely white. Flowering is observed in mid-July.
2. Vasily Alferov. This is a giant plant, the height of which can reach 110 cm. It is distinguished by large dark purple flowers interspersed with yellow. The petals have a velvety texture. Flowering continues for 19 days. Three or four buds bloom on one peduncle.
3. Altai. Differs in pleasant lilac color of petals. Each flower has a small yellow tongue. Blooms for two weeks in mid-July.
4. Vivat Rodionenko. The flowers of this variety have six petals. They are painted in a delicate purple color. The petals have small bluish streaks and spots. A white pistil is visible in the middle of the flower. Two flowers bloom on one peduncle.

Having studied the photos of varieties of iris varieties, you can choose the right planting material that suits your soil type. If you choose specimens with different flowering periods, you can admire the beauty of flowers all summer long.

Irises bloom in the garden - video